Strong voices break through domestic violence

At first glance, they're simply intriguing - white tiles covered with images of people and flowers, along with sentiments of pain, hope and healing.

Sara Cardine

At first glance, they're simply intriguing - white tiles covered with images of people and flowers, along with sentiments of pain, hope and healing.

But these tiles, made over the past few years by more than 600 San Joaquin County adults and children, bear strong messages. "With love, honor and respect there's no room for violence," reads one. "Think of the kids before you raise your hand on the one you love," reads another.

The Domestic Violence Tiles Project is an art installation designed to honor domestic-violence survivors, victims and the families left behind, said Joelle Gomez, executive director of the Women's Center of San Joaquin County, which founded the project in 2003. It also is an effort to shed light on the enormity of the problem, and rally awareness and support within the community.

So far, the Women's Center has mounted more than 300 tiles on display boards. These boards circulate throughout the community and are currently being shown at the State Capitol in Sacramento. There is talk of having permanent installments in at least one Stockton community center.

"(It's) a great way to capture people's thoughts and visual sentiments about domestic violence," Gomez said of the project.

One of those voices belongs to Cathy Hirata, who made a tile memorializing her niece Jennifer. She was killed by her husband in 2001 at age 24, leaving behind a 4-year-old daughter. On the tile, a bright sunflower, one of Jennifer's favorite flowers, is set next to a note reminding beholders to keep their faces up to the sun.

Hirata hopes those who see the tile will recognize the devastation domestic violence can bring to families.

"It reaches all people, and children are affected," she said. "I hope my little tile would speak to someone who's lost a loved one and touch them the way I was touched when I looked at other people's tiles."

Because so many victims stay silent, out of fear or devotion to their partners, raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence through visual displays is critical, Gomez said. It sends the message that the community won't tolerate abuse.

"In some kind of strange way, it is a way for everyone to have a voice," she said.

Gomez held up a tile. "You look at this one and it's so simple," she said.

"Be kind," it reads.

The tiles at the Capitol will remain on display through Saturday. After that, Gomez said, many will be considered for permanent installation at community centers throughout the county. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, also is working on bringing an installation to Washington D.C., Gomez added.

Still, the tile makers have a simpler wish for their work - that it reaches the eyes of someone who needs help. Someone like Jennifer, whose life ended too soon.

"Jennifer is with us all the time," Hirata said. "We all think of her," she said. "I hope (this project) maybe inspires another person to do their own tile and memorialize their loved one in the same way."